^Lot 5090 .RARE EARLY CALIFORNIA BOWIE KNIFE.

Massive early spear point with walrus ivory handle. This knife was the highlight of Compton's LaBauve's extensive primitive American knife collection. He allowed Gordon Minnis to publish it in his 1983 "AMERICAN PRIMITIVE KNIVES" text, full page 83. Knife is 14.5" overall, 9" meaty blade, .37" thick, saber ground. The original tag is missing as described in book as belonging to James P. Beckwourth (1798-1867). Beckwourth born of an American officer and a slave in Virginia had a very colorful history as explorer in the west, he discovered a California pass in the Sierra Nevada's named for him in 1851. There is little doubt that this knife was made early circa 1850s-1860s probably near San Francisco where later Michael Price bowies have same blade form and use of walrus is very rare except in San Franciso knives. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: copy of page from Minnis book where shown. CONDITION: very good overall, blade retains some original polish & luster, uncleaned "as found". PROVENANCE: estate collection of Compton LaBauve, Jr. (02-26496-4/JS). NON-GUN. $4,000-8,000.